Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Ford Explorer 2WD V6-4.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Engine Control Module: Service and Repair
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)
Removal
All vehicles
1. NOTE: PCM installation DOES NOT require new keys.
Retrieve the module configuration. Carry out the module configuration retrieval steps of the Programmable Module Installation procedure.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
2. Remove the air cleaner.
All vehicles
3. Disconnect the RH front wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the nut(s) and position the A/C tube bracket(s) and wiring harness aside.
4. Disconnect the PCM connectors.
5. Remove the bolts and the PCM.
Installation
All vehicles
1. Install the PCM and bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
2. Connect the PCM electrical connectors.
3. Position the wiring harness and the A/C tube bracket(s) and install the nut(s). Connect the RH front wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
- Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
4. Install the air cleaner.
All vehicles
5. Restore the module configuration. Carry out the module configuration restore steps of the Programmable Module Installation procedure.
6. Reprogram the passive anti-theft system (PATS). Carry out the Parameter Reset procedure.
A/C Tube Brackets:
PCM:
Removal
All vehicles
1. NOTE: PCM installation DOES NOT require new keys.
Retrieve the module configuration. Carry out the module configuration retrieval steps of the Programmable Module Installation procedure.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
2. Remove the air cleaner.
All vehicles
3. Disconnect the RH front wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the nut(s) and position the A/C tube bracket(s) and wiring harness aside.
4. Disconnect the PCM connectors.
5. Remove the bolts and the PCM.
Installation
All vehicles
1. Install the PCM and bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
2. Connect the PCM electrical connectors.
3. Position the wiring harness and the A/C tube bracket(s) and install the nut(s). Connect the RH front wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
- Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
4. Install the air cleaner.
All vehicles
5. Restore the module configuration. Carry out the module configuration restore steps of the Programmable Module Installation procedure.
6. Reprogram the passive anti-theft system (PATS). Carry out the Parameter Reset procedure.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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